Well-known for both its delicious food and drink, Melbourne’s Bayside is home to some of best bars in town. If you’re on the hunt for a new local or if you’d like to drink at the latest hot spot, there is a venue for every punter. C&G share some of the best bars to explore in the Bayside area.

If you like to keep your finger on the pulse when it comes to the latest bars, then look no further than Lover on the Windsor end of Chapel Street. After enjoying a successful launch, Lover has managed to hold on to its crown as the new ‘it’ bar with a vast selection of cocktails, sharing plates and cheeky staff to keep you ordering drinks well into the night.

The Milton in ElwoodThe theme at The Milton is easy elegance, from the long bar, exposed brick and long timber beams. But don’t be fooled by the ‘cool’ industrial interior, The Milton is as unpretentious as they come. With great service and mean cheese platters on offer, this bar has become one of the staples of Elwood.

Freddy Wimpoles is the modern face of the classic St Kilda institution ‘The George’. The lodge style décor (replete with antlers) gives this bar a cosy and relaxed atmosphere that will have you feeling nostalgic for a place you’ve never been. If you’re a beer lover, you will be happy to know that they offer 12 local and international beers on tap and plenty more available in bottles and cans.

Located on the corner of bustling Acland Street, Pablo Honey has one of the finest tequila selections on the Southside. Featuring tiki vibes and a flavoursome menu that serves tapas well into the night, it’s the perfect place to drink margaritas before a show or throughout the night.

Overlooking the sparkling bay, this stylish café eases into a wine bar, open late from Thursday to Saturday. The sleek monotone palette is the perfect backdrop for a relaxed Sunday session, when the cellar door offers a special grazing and wine menu full of local drops.

Highly anticipated new bar on the block, Sonder, is a huge venue set in the heart of Bentleigh. There is a beer garden softly lit by fairy lights and sound tracked by live local acts, making it reminiscent of trendy venues in the inner north. With a straightforward drinks menu and woodfire pizzas on offer, Sonder is the perfect place for big groups. It’s also kid friendly.

With opulent baroque style interiors and a cheeky attitude to match, this cocktail bar is a departure from other venues on the Peninsula. Brass Razu is the ideal place to steal a hidden corner and enjoy a bottle, or two, with close friends and a lot of laughter.

Inside a classic Victorian facade, this South Melbourne bar offers a genuine European atmosphere with an excellent food and wine list that changes seasonally. If you’re looking for one of the best charcuterie boards in the south, look no further!

Set on Bay Street in Port Melbourne, Harry & Frankie is wine shop come bar determined to broaden the palettes of their patrons. With over 600 wines, beers and ciders lining the walls, this bar is all about celebrating local and artisan winemakers. The relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable staff allow you to learn something new and have some fun at the same time.